Soldier Box

Guest Author - Rev. Jaclin Meade Scott

Oh, it’s gonna get busy.

In the midst of the misery or happy chaos (your choice, really), there are some people we want you to remember. Below you’ll find info on how to git er done. Please, PRINT THIS ARTICLE and carry it with you until the project is finished.

The Post Office has special boxes that go to military personnel. Ask for them. They look like the regular flat rate boxes, but you need the military one, and the Customs List that goes with it. Do not block the address area. But elsewhere on the box put stickers, hearts, happy wishes.

If you don’t have a soldier or sailor’s address, go to your contacts list. Somebody knows somebody on active duty. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the recipient. Contents of boxes are widely shared, deeply appreciated. Do not look for a thank you note – they’re a bit busy.

There is a box for instructions on what to do if addresssee is no longer posted at that location. You don't want the box back. Mark it that anyone can take delivery.

Get a group of people to gather/buy/collect items. There is a list below. Pack the box so that no space is wasted – commercial packaging may have to be removed. Nothing should move when the box is moved. You may have to repack 5 times, and that’s part of the fun. The amount of stuff that fits will amaze you. PS – no glass, perishables or chocolate. Tighten caps, put plastic wrap around shampoo, conditioner, other containers of messy stuff.

The Customs list has limited space. They’re not looking for brand names. “Food, reading material, personal care items, clothing”, etc will suffice. Do we even need to say a word about not doing anything stupid?

Get packing. Mail ASAP. The joy of doing this will carry you for days, you’ll see. You have become part of Shalom. Here’s the list: